Lawrence Ma, chairman of fair’s Organizing Committee, said at a press conference on Tuesday (pictured), a variety of activities will be launched to expand the fair’s portfolio and celebrate its 25th anniversary.

More than 20 special events, including seminars, jewelry parades, networking cocktails, and a gala evening will be held during the fair period, Ma said.

The jewelry parades will display dozens of chic jewelry products made with jade, gemstones, diamond, and gold, as well as jewelry watches, antique items and the latest collections from internationally-acclaimed designers, Ma added.

Speakers include renowned designer Lo Kai Yin and representatives from the World Gold Council. They will share the secrets of design, provide updates on the pearl and gold industry as well as the Middle East market.

The show will house 14 group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Dubai, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States.

In addition, three world-class jewelry auctions will be held. Pearl auctions will be held by Paspaley (March 2-4) and Robert Wan Tahiti (March 5-6), while Russia’s largest diamond miner, Alrosa will host a diamond auction for invited buyers on March 4-5.

Also speaking at the press conference, Charles Chan, Chairman of HKTDC¡¦s Jewellery Advisory Committee said Jewellery exports grew by 17% to HK$33.8billion ($4.3billion) in 2007, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland topping the major markets list. There was significant growth experienced in emerging markets, for example, Russia with 177 percent, South Africa 61 percent, India 45 percent, Greece 40 percent, and the United Arab Emirates at 39 percent.

Hong Kong is the fourth largest fine jewelry exporter in the world, according to Chan said.